Doctors in the Great War

by Ian R Whitehead

This book examines the role of the doctor in war, with reference to the Western front 1914-1918. It examines the system that was developed for recruiting medical officers, highlighting the tensions between civil and military needs, and the BMA's determination to protect the interests of the profession. Separate chapters deal with the position of medical students and the contribution of women doctors. The book looks at the training of doctors for war, and the differences that existed between military and civilian medicine. The Army's utilization of doctors is assessed in the context of contemporary accusations that its organization was wasteful and ignorant of the requirements of medical science. These issues are addressed through a discussion of evacuation procedures, the development of wound therapy and the provision for preventing and treating the diseases of war.

224 pages, Paperback

First published November 14, 2013

Reviews

[David Worsfold · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a thoroughly well researched account with a wealth of background information about the structure, organisation and medical personnel who provided the essential medical care of the troops during the bloody conflict of WW1. It offers many valuable and fascinating insights into how those vital services were delivered and the many challenges the doctors faced and overcame.
My big criticism of the book is that is really should be entitled 'Royal Army Medical Corps Doctors on the Western Front in the Great War' as it overlooks the equally significant contribution of the medical services supporting the Empire troops in other theatres of war, such as the Indian Medical Service in the desert war against the Turks and on the Western Front. Perhaps that would make a suitable companion volume.

[Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, this is a revelation around the impact on society of 50% of doctors being absorbed into the army.